Raspberry Pi–Controlled Aquaponics System: Build Guide & Code

Aquaponics /ˈækwəˈpɒnɨks /, is a food production system that combines conventional aquaculture (raising aquatic animals such as snails, fish, crayfish or prawns in tanks) with hydroponics (cultivating plants in water) in a symbiotic environment. In normal aquaculture, excretions from the animals being raised can accumulate in the water, increasing toxicity. In an aquaponic system, water from an aquaculture system is fed to a hydroponic system where the by‑products are broken down by nitrogen‑fixing bacteria into nitrates and nitrites, which are utilized by the plants as nutrients. The water is then recirculated back to the aquaculture system. Wikipedia

This build employs the IBC method of aquaponics, augmented with a Raspberry Pi to manage a pump, a solenoid drain, and temperature probes for water and air. Python scripts handle relay logic and timing, while data is logged every minute and streamed to plot.ly for real‑time visualization. Future updates will add water‑level and pH sensors for finer control.

All scripts are open‑source on GitHub; feel free to adapt them for your own system. Thanks to Chris at plot.ly for streaming support, and to the detailed instructions on IBCofAquaponics.com.

Step 1: Materials

Aquaponics:

1. IBC Shipping Container – prepared following IBCoAquaponics instructions

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System:

1. Raspberry Pi (Adafruit model)
2. SainSmart 8‑Channel Relay Module (Amazon)
3. Brass Liquid Solenoid Valve (Adafruit)
4. DS18b20 Waterproof Temperature Sensors (Adafruit)
5. Long‑range Wi‑Fi Adapter (Amazon)

Shed:

1. 4×4 lumber, 2×4 lumber, 2×6 lumber, Cedar fence planks

For more detail: Raspberry Pi Controlled Aquaponics